What's eating my hoya danumensis?

Hoya danumensis, native to Borneo, grows as a houseplant and shares the pest profile common to the Hoya genus. Mealybugs and spider mites are the two most likely attackers. Scale insects can also colonise stems of mature plants. Keeping humidity moderate and inspecting regularly catches problems early.

White waxy fluff at leaf axils and stem joints; honeydew deposits; sluggish or distorted new growth. Swab with rubbing alcohol; follow with weekly neem oil spray for 3–4 weeks; keep the plant isolated initially.

Tiny pale dots on leaf surfaces; silky webbing on undersides; yellowing and leaf drop in heavy infestations. Increase humidity; rinse foliage under tepid water; spray insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until clear.

Fixed brown or tan bumps on stems and leaf midribs; yellowing and reduced vigour; honeydew and sooty mould. Physically remove scales with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; apply horticultural oil spray; repeat in 14 days.